U.S. patent application number 15/798810 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-02 for air vent for a vehicle hvac system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Brendan Christopher Stiver.
Application Number | 20190126727 15/798810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66246018 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190126727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stiver; Brendan
Christopher |
May 2, 2019 |
AIR VENT FOR A VEHICLE HVAC SYSTEM
Abstract
An air vent for a vehicle HVAC system includes a duct, a forward
fin connected to an air outlet at a first end portion of the duct,
and plurality of rear fins connected to an air inlet at a second
end portion of the duct. The forward fin rotatable about a
transverse direction of the duct is configured to adjust the
direction of airflow in a vertical direction of the duct. The
plurality of rear fins rotatable about the vertical direction is
configured to adjust the direction of airflow in a longitudinal
direction of the duct. A shut-off valve is rotatably connected to a
central portion of the duct and positioned between the forward fin
and the plurality of rear fins. The shut-off valve is directly
connected to the forward fin and configured to rotate about the
transverse direction via movement of the forward fin in the
longitudinal direction.
Inventors: |
Stiver; Brendan Christopher;
(Powell, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
66246018 |
Appl. No.: |
15/798810 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 2001/3478 20130101;
B60H 1/3421 20130101; B60H 2001/3464 20130101; B60H 2001/3471
20130101; B60H 2001/3492 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60H 1/34 20060101
B60H001/34 |
Claims
1. An air vent for a vehicle HVAC system comprising: a duct
including an air outlet at a first end portion and an air inlet at
a second end portion spaced from the first end portion in a
longitudinal direction of the duct; a forward fin connected to the
first end portion and rotatable about a transverse direction of the
duct, the forward fin configured to adjust the direction of airflow
in a vertical direction of the duct; a plurality of rear fins
connected to the second end portion of the duct and rotatable about
the vertical direction, the plurality of rear fins configured to
adjust the direction of airflow in the longitudinal direction of
the duct; and a shut-off valve rotatably connected to a central
portion of the duct and positioned between the forward fin and the
plurality of rear fins, the shut-off valve directly connected to
the forward fin, the shut-off valve configured to rotate about the
transverse direction between an open position and a closed position
via movement of the forward fin in the longitudinal direction;
wherein the forward fin, the plurality of rear fins, and the
shut-off valve are configured to rotate independently of one
another.
2. The air vent according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve is
defined by a first valve and a second valve each rotatably
connected to the duct, wherein movement of the shut-off valve
toward the closed position rotates the first and second valves
toward one another.
3. The air vent of claim 2, wherein the forward fin includes an
axial pin slidably received in a slotted opening located on a
sidewall of the duct, and each of the first valve and second valve
includes an extension having an end portion configured to receive
the axial pin.
4. The air vent of claim 2, each of the first valve and second
valve includes an arcuate shaped surface which conforms to
respective upper and lower curved surfaces located at the central
portion of the duct, wherein the arcuate shaped surfaces of the
first and second valves are guided by the upper and lower curved
surfaces of the duct between the open position and closed position
of the shut-off valve.
5. The air vent of claim 4, wherein the central portion of the duct
includes upper and lower inwardly extending ramped surfaces
rearward of the upper and lower curved surfaces, the upper and
lower ramped surfaces direct airflow toward the forward fin, and
further including an upper access opening for the first valve
located between the upper ramped surface and upper curved surface,
and a lower access opening for the second valve located between the
lower ramped surface and lower curved surface.
6. The air vent of claim 1, including a linkage assembly configured
to rotate the plurality of rear fins, the linkage assembly includes
a first link moveable in the transverse direction and a second link
connected to the first link and at least one of the rear fins, the
second link configured to rotate about the vertical direction via
the transverse movement of the first link, wherein rotation of the
second link rotates the plurality of rear fins.
7. The air vent of claim 6, wherein the forward fin defines a
cavity elongated in the transverse direction and the first link is
slidably received in the cavity.
8. The air vent of claim 7, wherein the forward fin includes a
cutout extending into the cavity and exposing a portion of the
first link received in the cavity, and the air vent further
includes a knob having an engaging part slidably received in the
cutout and connected to the portion of the first link.
9. The air vent according to claim 6, wherein the second link
includes a first arm connected to an end portion of the first link
and a second arm connected to the at least one rear fin.
10. The air vent of claim 9, wherein the end portion of the first
link is spherical shaped, and the first arm includes a housing
configured to receive the spherical shaped end portion, wherein the
spherical shaped end portion rotates in the housing without
corresponding rotation of the second link as the forward fin is
rotated about the transverse direction.
11. The air vent of claim 9, wherein the second link is located
outside of the duct, the second arm includes a slot and the at
least one rear fin includes a pin slidably received in the slot,
wherein rotation of the second link causes the pin to move within
the slot.
12. An air vent for a vehicle HVAC system comprising: a duct
including an air outlet at a first end portion and an air inlet at
a second end portion spaced from the first end portion in a
longitudinal direction of the duct; a forward fin connected to the
first end portion and rotatable about a transverse direction of the
duct, the forward fin configured to adjust the direction of airflow
in a vertical direction of the duct; a plurality of rear fins
connected to the second end portion of the duct and rotatable about
the vertical direction, the plurality of rear fins configured to
adjust the direction of airflow in a longitudinal direction of the
duct; a shut-off valve rotatably connected to a central portion of
the duct, the shut-off valve configured to rotate about the
transverse direction between an open position and a closed
position; and a linkage assembly configured to rotate the plurality
of rear fins, the linkage assembly includes a first link at least
partially housed in the forward fin and moveable in the transverse
direction and a second link connected to the first link and at
least one of the rear fins, the second link configured to rotate
about the vertical direction via the transverse movement of the
first link, wherein rotation of the second link rotates the
plurality of rear fins, wherein the forward fin, the plurality of
rear fins, and the shut-off valve are configured to rotate
independently of one another.
13. The air vent of claim 12, wherein the forward fin defines a
cavity elongated in the transverse direction and the first link is
slidably received in the cavity.
14. The air vent of claim 13, further including a knob positioned
on the forward fin and including an engaging part connected to a
portion of the first link received in the cavity.
15. The air vent according to claim 12, wherein the second link
includes a first arm connected to an end portion of the first link
and a second arm connected to the at least one rear fin, wherein
the second arm includes a slot, and the at least one rear fin
includes a pin slidably received in the slot, wherein rotation of
the second link causes the pin to move within the slot.
16. The air vent of claim 12, wherein the shut-off valve is
directly connected to the forward fin and is rotatable via movement
of the forward fin in the longitudinal direction.
17. The air vent according to claim 16, wherein the shut-off valve
is defined by a first valve and a second valve each rotatably
connected to the duct, wherein movement of the shut-off valve
toward the closed position rotates the first and second valves
toward one another.
18. The air vent of claim 17, wherein the central portion of the
duct includes upper and lower inwardly extending ramped surfaces
that direct airflow toward the forward fin, and each of the first
valve and the second valve in the open position of the shut-off
valve is concealed by upper and lower ramped surfaces.
19. An air vent for a vehicle HVAC system comprising: a duct
including an air outlet at a first end portion and an air inlet at
a second end portion spaced from the first end portion in a
longitudinal direction of the duct; a forward fin connected to the
first end portion and rotatable about a transverse direction of the
duct, the forward fin configured to adjust the direction of airflow
in a vertical direction of the duct; a plurality of rear fins
connected to the second end portion of the duct and rotatable about
the vertical direction, the plurality of rear fins configured to
adjust the direction of airflow in the longitudinal direction of
the duct; a shut-off valve rotatably connected to a central portion
of the duct and positioned between the forward fin and the
plurality of rear fins, the shut-off valve connected to the forward
fin, the shut-off valve configured to rotate about the transverse
direction between an open position and a closed position via
movement of the forward fin in the longitudinal direction; and a
linkage assembly at least partially housed in the forward fin and
connected to at least one of the rear fins, the linkage assembly
configured to move in the transverse direction and rotate about the
vertical direction via its transverse movement, wherein rotation of
the linkage assembly rotates the plurality of rear fins, wherein
the forward fin, the plurality of rear fins, and the shut-off valve
are configured to rotate independently of one another.
20. The air vent of claim 19, wherein the forward fin defines a
cavity elongated in the transverse direction, and the linkage
assembly includes a first link received in the cavity and moveable
in the transverse direction and a second link connected to the
first link and at least one of the rear fins, the second link
rotatable about the vertical direction.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] HVAC systems for vehicles are increasingly complex as the
demands on the degree of control of such systems increase. The
vehicle HVAC system is typically connected to one or several air
vents or outlets in order to discharge a flow of air within a
vehicle compartment. There are many different types of air outlets
and many incorporate the use of separate valves or fins that direct
airflow either vertically or horizontally, and rotating dials or
other mechanisms to control the positioning of the separate fins.
By way of example, it is known to incorporate a set of horizontal
(or vertical) fin(s) that rotate according to a rotational
direction of an attached knob, a separate set of vertical (or
horizontal) fin(s) that rotate according to a sliding position of
the knob, and a separate shut-off valve that restricts airflow by
rotating a dial which is separate from the knob. This known design
is not always beneficial for packaging. Another problem with the
known design is that the user is not able to see the position of
the shut-off valve, and in most instances the manner to verify the
position of the shut-off valve is open or close is by feeling for
airflow and/or by viewing any printed or embossed indicators on the
rotating dial that controls the position of the shut-off valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0002] According to one aspect, an air vent for a vehicle HVAC
system comprises a duct including an air outlet at a first end
portion and an air inlet at a second end portion spaced from the
first end portion in a longitudinal direction of the duct. A
forward fin is connected to the first end portion and rotatable
about a transverse direction of the duct. The forward fin is
configured to adjust the direction of airflow in a vertical
direction of the duct. A plurality of rear fins is connected to the
second end portion of the duct and rotatable about the vertical
direction. The plurality of rear fins is configured to adjust the
direction of airflow in a longitudinal direction of the duct. A
shut-off valve is rotatably connected to a central portion of the
duct and positioned between the forward fin and the plurality of
rear fins. The shut-off valve is directly connected to the forward
fin. The shut-off valve is configured to rotate about the
transverse direction between an open position and a closed position
via movement of the forward fin in the longitudinal direction. The
forward fin, the plurality of rear fins, and the shut-off valve are
configured to rotate independently of one another.
[0003] According to another aspect, an air vent for a vehicle HVAC
system comprises a duct including an air outlet at a first end
portion and an air inlet at a second end portion spaced from the
first end portion in a longitudinal direction of the duct. A
forward fin is connected to the first end portion and rotatable
about a transverse direction of the duct. The forward fin is
configured to adjust the direction of airflow in a vertical
direction of the duct. A plurality of rear fins is connected to the
second end portion of the duct and rotatable about the vertical
direction. The plurality of rear fins is configured to adjust the
direction of airflow in a longitudinal direction of the duct. A
shut-off valve is rotatably connected to a central portion of the
duct. The shut-off valve is configured to rotate about the
transverse direction between an open position and a closed
position. A linkage assembly is configured to rotate the plurality
of rear fins. The linkage assembly includes a first link at least
partially housed in the forward fin and moveable in the transverse
direction and a second link connected to the first link and at
least one of the rear fins. The second link is configured to rotate
about the vertical direction via the transverse movement of the
first link, and rotation of the second link rotates the plurality
of rear fins. The forward fin, the plurality of rear fins, and the
shut-off valve are configured to rotate independently of one
another.
[0004] According to another aspect, an air vent for a vehicle HVAC
system comprises a duct including an air outlet at a first end
portion and an air inlet at a second end portion spaced from the
first end portion in a longitudinal direction of the duct. A
forward fin is connected to the first end portion and rotatable
about a transverse direction of the duct. The forward fin is
configured to adjust the direction of airflow in a vertical
direction of the duct. A plurality of rear fins is connected to the
second end portion of the duct and rotatable about the vertical
direction. The plurality of rear fins is configured to adjust the
direction of airflow in a longitudinal direction of the duct. A
shut-off valve is rotatably connected to a central portion of the
duct and positioned between the forward fin and the plurality of
rear fins. The shut-off valve is connected to the forward fin. The
shut-off valve is configured to rotate about the transverse
direction between an open position and a closed position via
movement of the forward fin in the longitudinal direction. A
linkage assembly is at least partially housed in the forward fin
and connected to at least one of the rear fins. The linkage
assembly is configured to move in the transverse direction and
rotate about the vertical direction via its transverse movement,
wherein rotation of the linkage assembly rotates the plurality of
rear fins. The forward fin, the plurality of rear fins, and the
shut-off valve are configured to rotate independently of one
another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air vent for a vehicle
HVAC system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2(a)-4(b) are perspective views of the air vent of FIG.
1 showing the various operational states of the air vent.
[0007] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the air vent of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIGS. 6-13 are perspective views illustrating an assembly of
the air vent of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the air vent of
FIG. 13.
[0010] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of an air vent
according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIGS. 17-27 are perspective views illustrating an assembly
of the air vent of FIG. 16.
[0012] FIGS. 28(a)-30(b) are cross-sectional views showing the
various operational states of the air vent of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] It should, of course, be understood that the description and
drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various
modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed
without departing from the present disclosure. As used herein,
longitudinal directions refer to forward and rearward directions of
vehicle travel, transverse directions are across a width of the
vehicle, i.e., left and right directions, and vertical directions
relate to elevation, i.e., upward and downward directions.
[0014] Further, spatially relative term's (e.g., "forward",
"rearward", "upper", "lower" and the like) may be used to describe
a relationship of an element and/or a feature to another element(s)
and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the drawings. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the exemplary air vent in
use and/or operation in addition to the depicted orientation. For
example, if the exemplary air vent in the drawings is turned over,
an element(s) described as "below" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features.
Accordingly, the exemplary air vent may be otherwise oriented
(e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0015] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer
to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an
exemplary air vent 100 for a vehicle HVAC system according to one
aspect of the present disclosure to be installed in a vehicle
compartment member in the form of a dashboard or instrument panel
102. The air vent 100 is configured for distributing and directing
a flow of air within the vehicle compartment. In addition, the air
vent 100 is configured for regulating the level of air, as
described below. The arrangement, components and functions of the
dashboard (instrument panel) 102 are well-known in the art, and are
therefore not further described herein. In addition, it should be
appreciated that the dashboard 102 is only one example of several
different vehicle compartment members, and it is therefore possible
that the air vent 100 can be installed and arranged in other
vehicle compartment members such as in a door trim, rear end of a
floor console, B-pillar, center tunnel console or the like.
[0016] The exemplary air vent 100 includes a housing or duct 104
having an inner surface 106 extending in a longitudinal (X)
direction of the duct, a transverse (Y) direction of the duct, and
a vertical (Z) direction of the duct. The inner surface 106 is
typically encircling at least a part of an air flow channel 108
extending through the duct 104. The duct 104 includes an air outlet
116 at a first end portion 118 and an air inlet 120 at a second end
portion 122 spaced from the first end portion 118 in a longitudinal
direction of the duct 104. The air flow channel 108 through the
duct 104 transports a flow of air between the air inlet 120 and the
air outlet 116. As is well known, the air inlet 120 is typically
connected to an air duct of the vehicle HVAC system. Accordingly,
the air inlet 120 is arranged upstream of the air outlet 116, as
seen in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the air outlet
116 is arranged downstream of the air inlet 120, as seen in a
longitudinal direction. A garnish 124 can be connected to the first
end portion 118 of the duct 104 (FIGS. 12 and 13).
[0017] A forward fin 130 is connected to the first end portion 118
and rotatable about the transverse direction of the duct 104. The
forward fin 130 is configured to adjust the direction of airflow in
the vertical direction of the duct 104. A plurality of rear fins
132 is connected to the second end portion 122 of the duct 104 and
rotatable about the vertical direction. The plurality of rear fins
132 is configured to adjust the direction of airflow in the
longitudinal direction of the duct 104. A shut-off valve 136 is
rotatably connected to a central portion 138 of the duct 104 and
positioned between the forward fin 130 and the plurality of rear
fins 132. The shut-off valve 136 is directly connected to the
forward fin 130 and is configured to rotate about the transverse
direction between an open position and a closed position via
movement of the forward fin 130 in the longitudinal direction. As
will be appreciated, the forward fin 130, the plurality of rear
fins 132, and the shut-off valve 136 are configured to rotate
independently of one another. In this context of the present
disclosure, the term "independently" typically refers to the
principle that one component (e.g. the forward fin 130) can be
maintained in its position when another component (e.g. the
plurality of rear fins 132 and/or the shut-off valve 136) is
adjusted.
[0018] In the depicted aspect of FIGS. 6 and 7, the forward fin 130
includes a body 140 having a first end portion 146 and a second end
portion 148 spaced from the first end portion in the transverse
direction of the duct 104. A first pin 150 projects from the first
end portion 146 and a second pin 152 projects from the second end
portion 148. The body 140 of the forward fin 130 further includes
an upper surface 156, a lower surface 158 opposite the upper
surface, a forward end portion 160, and a rear end portion 162
spaced from the forward end portion in the longitudinal direction
of the duct 104. A forward insert 166 can be connected to the
forward end portion 160, and a knob 168 can be connected to the
forward insert 166. Although, it should be appreciated that the
knob 168 can be directly connected to the forward end portion 160.
A rear insert 172 can be connected to the rear end portion 162, and
as shown, the rear insert is generally triangular shaped in cross
section. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that with the
forward and rear inserts 166, 172 connected to the body 140, the
forward fin 130 is generally airfoil shaped. As will be
appreciated, the forward and rear inserts 166, 172 allow for ease
of assembly of the air vent 100; however, according to another
aspect, one of the forward insert 166 and the rear insert 172 can
be integral with the body 140, and according to another aspect, the
forward fin 130 can be a unitary part. As shown in FIG. 9, to
assemble the forward fin 130 to the first end portion 118 of the
duct 104, a first sidewall 176 of the duct 104 includes a first
slot 178 sized to receive the first pin 150 and a second sidewall
180 of the duct 104 includes a second slot 182 sized to receive the
second pin 152. A first spacer 186 can be secured to that portion
of the first pin 150 extending outwardly from the first sidewall
176, and a second spacer 188 can be secured to that portion of the
second pin 152 extending outwardly from the second sidewall
180.
[0019] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 10, each of the plurality of
rear fins 132, which can be similarly shaped, includes an upper end
portion 200 and a lower end portion 202 spaced from the upper end
portion in the vertical direction of the duct 104. An upper pin 204
projects from the upper end portion 200 and a lower pin 206
projects from the lower end portion 202. In the depicted aspect, a
step portion 210 is provided on the upper end portion 200 and a
connecting pin 212 for connection to a part of a linkage assembly
220 extends from the step portion 210 in the same direction as the
upper pin 204. As depicted, to assemble the plurality of rear fins
132 to the second end portion 122 of the duct 104, the upper pins
204 are received in corresponding openings 224 provided on an upper
wall 226 of the duct 104, and the lower pins 206 are received in
corresponding openings 228 provided on an lower wall 230 of the
duct 104. It should be appreciated that when assembled, the upper
and lower pins 204, 206 together define the rotational axes for the
plurality of rear fins 132.
[0020] FIGS. 5-10 depict the linkage assembly 220 according to the
present disclosure which is configured to rotate the plurality of
rear fins 132. The linkage assembly 220 includes a first link 240
moveable in the transverse direction of the duct 104 and a second
link 242 connected to the first link 240 and at least one of the
rear fins 132. The second link 242 is configured to rotate about
the vertical direction of the duct 104 via the transverse movement
of the first link 240, and rotation of the second link rotates the
plurality of rear fins 132. According to one aspect, the linkage
assembly 220 can be at least partially housed in the forward fin
130, which provides a compact assembly of the air vent 100. As
shown, the body 140 of the forward fin 130 can define a cavity 248
elongated in the transverse direction, and the first link 240 is
slidably received in the cavity 248. The second end portion 148 of
the body 140 includes an access opening 250 for the cavity 248. The
first link 240 can include a first section 254 and a second section
256 offset in the longitudinal direction from the first section.
The first link 240 is slid through the access opening 250 and into
the cavity 248, with the first section received in the cavity 248
and the second section 256 at least partially projecting from the
second end portion 148 of the body 140. In the depicted aspect, the
second pin 152 can include a slotted opening (not shown) which
receives at least part of the second section 256 wherein the second
section 256 extends coaxially with the second pin 152. The upper
surface 156 of the forward fin 130 has a cutout 260 extending into
the cavity 248 and exposing a portion of the first section 254 of
the first link 240 received in the cavity 248. A knob 262 is
slidably received in the cutout 260 and is connected to that
exposed portion of the first link 240. It should be appreciated
that the lower surface 158 of the forward fin can also have a
cutout (not shown) extending into the cavity 248 which is aligned
with the cutout 260. A lower knob 264 can be slidably received in
this lower cutout and can be connected to the first link 240.
[0021] The second link 242 of the linkage assembly 220 can include
a first arm 270 connected to an end portion 272 of the first link
240 and a second arm 276 connected to the at least one rear fin
132. In the depicted aspect, the first arm 270 generally extends in
the longitudinal direction of the duct 104 and the second arm 276
generally extends in the transverse direction of the duct 104.
Allowing for the independent movement of forward fin 130 and the
plurality of rear fins 132, the connection of the first arm 270
with the end portion 272 of the first link 240 is adapted so that
rotation of the first link 240 about the transverse direction of
the duct 104 (via rotation of the forward fin 130) does not cause
corresponding rotation of the second link 242 about the vertical
direction of the duct 104. According to one embodiment, the end
portion 272 of the first link 240 is received in a housing 280
provided on the first arm 270. The housing 280 is configured to
allow for rotation of the end portion 272 while maintaining the
connection of the end portion 272 with the first arm 270. In the
illustrated aspect, the housing 280 includes a slot 282 sized to
receive the second section 256 of the first link 240, and the end
portion 272 of the first link 240 is spherical shaped. The
spherical shaped end portion 272 of the first link 240 rotates in
the housing 280 as the forward fin 130 is rotated about the
transverse direction without corresponding rotation of the second
link 242. And with the spherical shaped end portion 272 received in
the housing 280, the connection of the end portion 272 of the first
link 240 with the first arm 270 is secured as the first link 240 is
moved in the transverse direction of the duct 104.
[0022] With continued reference to FIGS. 8-10, the second link 242
is located outside the second sidewall 180 of the duct 104 and is
rotatably connected to the duct via pins 284, 286 which snap into
corresponding holes (only hole 288 is visible) provided on the duct
104, the pins 284, 286 defining a rotational axis for the second
link 242. The second arm 276 of the second link 242 extends through
an opening (not shown) on the second sidewall 180 of the duct 104
and is connected to that one rear fin 132' closest to the second
sidewall 180. According to one aspect, a distal end of the second
arm 276 includes a slot 292. The rear fin 132' can include a
platform 296 for supporting the distal end of the second arm 276,
and further includes a secondary pin 298 which is slidably received
in the slot 292 (FIG. 14). The linkage assembly 220 further
includes a third link 300 having openings 302 sized to receive the
connecting pins 212 of the rear fins 132. Therefore, the third link
300 interconnects the plurality of rear fins 132. It should be
appreciated that rotation of the second link 242 causes the
secondary pin 298 to move within the slot 292, and this, in turn,
causes rotation of the plurality of rear fins 132.
[0023] As indicated previously, and as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 11,
the shut-off valve 136 is rotatably connected to the central
portion 138 of the duct 104 and positioned between the forward fin
130 and the plurality of rear fins 132. The shut-off valve 136 is
directly connected to the forward fin 130 and is configured to
rotate about the transverse direction between an open position and
a closed position via movement of the forward fin in the
longitudinal direction. According to one aspect, the shut-off valve
136 is defined by a first valve 310 and a second valve 312 each
rotatably connected to the first and second sidewalls 176, 180 of
the duct 104, and movement of the shut-off valve 136 toward the
closed position rotates the first and second valves 310, 312 toward
one another. As described above, the forward fin 130 includes the
first axial pin 150 slidably received in the first slotted opening
178 located on the first sidewall 176 and the second axial pin 152
slidably received in the second slotted opening 182. The first
valve 310 includes extensions 320, 322 located at opposite end
portions 324, 326, and end portions 330, 332 of the respective
extensions 320, 322 are configured to receive the first and second
pins 150, 152. By way of example, the end portions 330, 332 can
include slots 336, 338 sized to receive the first and second pins
150, 152. Similarly, the second valve 312 includes extensions 340,
342 located at opposite end portions 344, 346, and end portions
350, 352 of the respective extensions 340, 342 also include slots
356, 358 sized to receive the first and second pins 150, 152.
[0024] Further, the rotational connection of each of the first
valve 310 and second valve 312 is offset in the vertical direction
from the connection of their respective extensions to the first and
second axial pins 150, 152. As depicted in FIG. 11, pins 370, 372
on inner surfaces of the respective extensions 320, 322 of the
first valve 310 fit within corresponding holes located in the first
and second sidewalls 176, 180 of the duct 104 and define the axis
of rotation for the first valve 310. Like the first valve 310, pins
376, 378 on inner surfaces of the respective extensions 340, 342 of
the second valve 312 fit within corresponding holes also located in
the first and second sidewalls 176, 180 of the duct 104 and define
the axis of rotation for the second valve 312. According to the
present embodiment of FIG. 15, each of the first valve 310 and the
second valve 312 in the open position of the shut-off valve 136
defines a ramped surface 384, 386 that directs airflow toward the
forward fin 130. It should be appreciated that felt or foam may be
applied to edges of the first and second valves 310, 312 where the
valves meet in the closed position of the shut-off valve 136 to
reduce noise and help ensure airflow though the duct 104 is sealed
off.
[0025] As is evident from the forgoing, the operation of the
exemplary air vent 100 is simplified for the user. Every function
of the air vent 100 may be operated by the forward fin 130. The
forward fin 130 may be rotated about the transverse direction of
the duct 104 (FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b)) and translated in the
longitudinal direction of the duct 104 to move the shut-off valve
136 (FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)), and the knob 262, 264 of the forward fin
130 may be translated in transverse direction to rotate the
plurality of rear fins 132 (FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)). With the central
location of the shut-off valve 136, the user can visibly see the
open/close position of the shut-off valve 136, so no printed or
embossed indicators are needed, except what might be placed on the
knob.
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary air vent 400 for a vehicle
HVAC system according to another aspect of the present disclosure
to be installed in a vehicle compartment member. Similar to the air
vent 100 described in detail above, the air vent 400 is configured
for distributing and directing a flow of air within the vehicle
compartment, and regulating the level of air, as described below.
The exemplary air vent 400 includes a housing or duct 404 having an
inner surface 406 extending in a longitudinal (X) direction of the
duct, a transverse (Y) direction of the duct, and a vertical (Z)
direction of the duct. The inner surface 406 is typically
encircling at least a part of an air flow channel 408 extending
through the duct 404. The duct 404 includes an air outlet 416 at a
first end portion 418 and an air inlet 420 at a second end portion
422 spaced from the first end portion 418 in a longitudinal
direction of the duct 404. The air flow channel 408 through the
duct 404 transports a flow of air between the air inlet 420 and the
air outlet 416. A garnish 424 can be connected to the first end
portion 418 of the duct 404.
[0027] A forward fin 430 is connected to the first end portion 418
and rotatable about the transverse direction of the duct 404. The
forward fin 430 is configured to adjust the direction of airflow in
the vertical direction of the duct 404. A plurality of rear fins
432 is connected to the second end portion 422 of the duct 404 and
rotatable about the vertical direction. The plurality of rear fins
432 is configured to adjust the direction of airflow in the
longitudinal direction of the duct 404. A shut-off valve 436 is
rotatably connected to a central portion of the duct 404 and
positioned between the forward fin 430 and the plurality of rear
fins 432. The shut-off valve 436 is directly connected to the
forward fin 430 and is configured to rotate about the transverse
direction between an open position and a closed position via
movement of the forward fin 430 in the longitudinal direction.
Again, as will be appreciated, the forward fin 430, the plurality
of rear fins 432, and the shut-off valve 436 are configured to
rotate independently of one another.
[0028] In the depicted aspect of FIG. 17, the forward fin 430 is
defined by an upper part 438 and a lower part 440 connected to the
upper part 438. The upper part 438 has a first end portion 446 and
a second end portion 448 spaced from the first end portion in the
transverse direction of the duct 404. A first pin 450 projects from
the first end portion 446 and a second pin 452 projects from the
second end portion 448. The upper part 438 of the forward fin 430
further includes an upper surface 456, a lower surface 458 opposite
the upper surface, a forward end portion 460, and a rear end
portion 462 spaced from the forward end portion in the longitudinal
direction of the duct 404. A pair of forward inserts 466 can be
connected to the forward end portion 460. As depicted, the forward
end portion 460 includes a pair of spaced channels 470 sized to
receive the pair of forward inserts 466. As shown in FIG. 19, the
lower part 440 of the forward fin 430 includes a first end portion
472, a second end portion 474, and a lower surface 476. A rear end
portion 478 of the lower part 440 is configured to engage and cover
the rear end portion 462 of the upper part 438. As shown, the rear
end portion 462 can be provided with spaced tabs 480 which in the
assembled condition of the forward fin 430 are received in spaced
openings (not shown) in the rear end portion 478. A forward end
portion 482 of the lower part 440 can include spaced tabs 486 which
in the assembled condition of the forward fin 430 are received in
spaced openings (not shown) in the forward end portion 460 of the
upper part 438. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that with the
upper and lower parts 438, 440 of the forward fin 430 connected to
one another, the forward fin 430 is generally airfoil shaped.
Further, an operational knob 488 is connected to the forward fin
430. According to the depicted embodiment, the knob 488 includes a
wedge-shaped engagement member 490 which is received in a cutout
492 located in the forward end portion 460 of the upper part 438. A
trim 494 is connected to the knob 488. As depicted in FIG. 20, to
assemble the forward fin 430 to the first end portion 418 of the
duct 404, a first sidewall 496 of the first end portion 418 of the
duct 404 includes a first slot 498 sized to receive the first pin
450, and a second sidewall 500 of the first end portion 418 of the
duct 404 includes a second slot 502 sized to receive the second pin
452.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, each of the plurality of
rear fins 432, which can be similarly shaped, includes an upper end
portion 510 and a lower end portion 512 spaced from the upper end
portion in the vertical direction of the duct 404. An upper pin 514
projects from the upper end portion 510 and a lower pin 516
projects from the lower end portion 512. In the depicted aspect,
provided on the lower end portion 512 of each rear fin 432 is a
connecting pin 520 for connection to a linkage assembly 530 which
extends in the same direction as the lower pin 516. As illustrated,
to assemble the plurality of rear fins 432 to the second end
portion 422 of the duct 404, the upper pins 514 are received in
corresponding openings 534 provided on an upper wall 536 of the
duct 404, and the lower pins 516 are received in corresponding
openings 538 provided on an lower wall 540 of the duct 404. In the
depicted aspect, the lower wall 540 can include a platform 542
having a contoured (for example, sinusoidal shaped) rear end
portion 544 which mates with a part of the linkage assembly 530.
Further, according to one aspect, the rear fin 432' closest to a
first sidewall 546 of the second end portion 422 of the duct 404
includes a boss 548 having an opening 550 sized to releasably
receive prongs 552 extending from a clip 554. The clip 554 is
secured to the upper wall 536 of the duct 404, and the prongs 552
extend through a hole 556 in the upper wall 536 into engagement
with the rear fin 432'. Another part of the linkage assembly 530
engages a pin 558 provided on the clip 554. It should be
appreciated that when assembled, the upper and lower pins 514, 516
together define the rotational axes for the plurality of rear fins
432.
[0030] FIGS. 16-19 and 25 best depict the linkage assembly 530
according to the present disclosure which is configured to rotate
the plurality of rear fins 432. The linkage assembly 530 includes a
first link 560 moveable in the transverse direction of the duct 404
and a second link 562 connected to the first link 560 and at least
one of the rear fins 432. The second link 562 is configured to
rotate about the vertical direction of the duct 404 via the
transverse movement of the first link 560, and rotation of the
second link rotates the plurality of rear fins 432. According to
one aspect, the linkage assembly 530 can be at least partially
housed in the forward fin 430, which provides a compact assembly of
the air vent 400. As shown, the forward fin 430 can define a cavity
568 elongated in the transverse direction, and the first link 560
is slidably received in the cavity 568. According to one
embodiment, the first link 560 can include a first section 574 and
a second section 576 separate from and connected to the first
section. In the illustrated aspect, the first section 574 includes
a first end portion 580, a second end portion 582, and a forward
edge portion 586. A cutout 588 shaped for the wedge-shaped
engagement member 490 is centrally provided on the forward edge
portion 586. First and second slots 590, 592 which are elongated in
the transverse direction are located on the respective first and
second end portions 580, 582. The first and second slots 590, 592
are sized to receive first and second tabs 596, 598 located in the
cavity 568 of the forward fin 430. An engagement feature 600 is
provided on the second end portion 582 of the first section 574 for
engaging the second section 576. The second section 576 includes a
first end portion 602 configured to mate with the engagement
feature 600 and a second end portion 604.
[0031] To assemble the first link 560 to the forward fin 430, the
knob 488 is first mounted to the forward fin 430 with the
wedge-shaped engagement member 490 extended through the cutout 492
into the cavity 568. The first end portion 602 of the second
section 576 is threaded through the second pin 452 wherein the
second end portion 604 extends coaxially with the second pin 452.
The first section 574 is then placed in the cavity 568 with the
first and second tabs 596, 598 received in the respective first and
second slots 590, 592 and the wedge-shaped engagement member 490
received in the correspondingly shaped cutout 588. It should be
appreciated the wedge-shaped engagement member 490 received in the
cutout 588 defines a dovetail joint to maintain connection between
the knob 488 and the first link 560. The engagement feature 600
mates with first end portion 602 of the second section 576. With
the disclosed arrangement, the knob 488 is slidably received in the
cutout 492 with its travel distance in the transverse direction
being limited by the sliding movement of first section 574 relative
to the first and second tabs 596, 598 within the first and second
slots 590, 592.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 16 and 25, the second link 562 of
the linkage assembly 530 can include a first arm 610 connected to
an end portion of the first link 560 (i.e., the second end portion
604 of the second section 576 of the first link 560) and a second
arm 614 connected to the at least one rear fin 432. In the depicted
aspect, the first arm 610 generally extends in the longitudinal
direction of the duct 404 and the second arm 614 generally extends
in the transverse direction of the duct 404. Allowing for the
independent movement of forward fin 430 and the plurality of rear
fins 432, the connection of the first arm 610 with the second
section 576 of the first link 560 is adapted so that rotation of
the first link 560 about the transverse direction of the duct 404
(via rotation of the forward fin 430) does not cause corresponding
rotation of the second link 562 about the vertical direction of the
duct 404. According to one embodiment, the second end portion 604
of the second section 576 of the first link 560 is received in a
housing 620 provided on the first arm 610. The housing 620 is
configured to allow for rotation of the second end portion 604
while maintaining the connection of the second end portion 604 with
the first arm 610. In the illustrated aspect, the housing 620
includes a slot 622 sized to receive the second end portion 604,
and the second end portion 604 of the second section 576 of the
first link 560 is spherical shaped. The spherical shaped second end
portion 604 rotates in the housing 620 as the forward fin 430 is
rotated about the transverse direction without corresponding
rotation of the second link 562. And with the spherical shaped
second end portion 604 received in the housing 620, the connection
of the second section 576 of the first link 560 with the first arm
610 is secured as the first link 560 is moved in the transverse
direction of the duct 404.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 25 and 27, the second link 562 is
located outside the duct 404 and is rotatably connected to the duct
via pins 626, 628 which snap into corresponding holes 630, 632
provided on respective upper and lower mounting tabs 634, 636
extending from the duct 404. The pins 626, 628 define a rotational
axis for the second link 562. The second arm 614 of the second link
562 is connected to that one rear fin 432' closest to the first
sidewall 546. According to one aspect, a distal end of the second
arm 614 includes a slot 640 sized to slidably receive the pin 558
of the clip 554. The linkage assembly 530 further includes a third
link 646 having openings 648 sized to receive the connecting pins
520 of the rear fins 432. Therefore, the third link 646
interconnects the plurality of rear fins 432. It should be
appreciated that rotation of the second link 562 causes the pin 558
to move within the slot 640, and this, in turn, causes rotation of
the plurality of rear fins 432.
[0034] As indicated previously, and as depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22,
the shut-off valve 436 is rotatably connected to the central
portion of the duct 404 and positioned between the forward fin 430
and the plurality of rear fins 432. The shut-off valve 436 is
directly connected to the forward fin 430 and is configured to
rotate about the transverse direction between an open position and
a closed position via movement of the forward fin in the
longitudinal direction. According to one aspect, the shut-off valve
436 is defined by a first valve 650 and a second valve 652 each
rotatably connected to the first and second sidewalls 496, 500 of
the duct 404, and movement of the shut-off valve 436 toward the
closed position rotates the first and second valves 650, 652 toward
one another. As described above, the forward fin 430 includes the
first axial pin 450 slidably received in the first slotted opening
498 located on the first sidewall 496 and the second axial pin 452
slidably received in the second slotted opening 502. The first
valve 650 includes extensions 660, 662 located at opposite end
portions 664, 666, and end portions 670, 672 of the respective
extensions 660, 662 are configured to receive the first and second
pins 450, 452. By way of example, the end portions 670, 672 can
include slots 676, 678 sized to receive the first and second pins
450, 452. Similarly, the second valve 652 includes extensions 680,
682 located at opposite end portions 684, 686, and end portions
690, 692 of the respective extensions 680, 682 also include slots
696, 698 sized to receive the first and second pins 450, 452.
[0035] Further, with reference to FIGS. 30(a) and 30(b), each of
the first valve 650 and second valve 652 includes an arcuate shaped
surface 700, 702 which conforms to respective upper and lower
curved surfaces 706, 708 located at the central portion of the duct
404. The arcuate shaped surfaces 700, 702 of the first and second
valves 650, 652 are guided by the upper and lower curved surfaces
706, 708 of the duct 404 between the open position and closed
position of the shut-off valve 436. In addition, the central
portion of the duct 404 includes upper and lower inwardly extending
ramped surfaces 714, 706 rearward of the upper and lower curved
surfaces 706, 708. The upper and lower ramped surfaces 714, 716
direct airflow toward the forward fin 430. The duct 404 further
includes an upper access opening 720 for the first valve 650
located between the upper curved surface 706 and the upper ramped
surface 714, and a lower access opening 722 for the second valve
652 located between the lower curved surface 708 and the lower
ramped surface 716.
[0036] As depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22, pins 730, 732 are provided
on outer surfaces of the respective extensions 660, 662 of the
first valve 650, and pins 736, 738 are provided on outer surfaces
of the respective extensions 680, 682 of the second valve 652. As
depicted in FIG. 23, the pins 730, 732 fit within corresponding
through holes 740, 742 located in a first spacer 746 which is
secured to that portion of the first pin 450 extending outwardly
from the first sidewall 496. As shown, the first pin 450 is
received in an opening 748 on the first spacer 746. The first
spacer 746 includes spaced tabs 750, 752 that are slidably received
in spaced slots 754, 756 of a first bushing 760, which is secured
to the first sidewall 496 via a fastener 762. Similarly, the pins
736, 738 fit within corresponding through holes 770, 772 located in
a second spacer 776 which is secured to that portion of the second
pin 452 extending outwardly from the second sidewall 500. As shown,
the second pin 452 is received in an opening 778 on the second
spacer 776. The second spacer 776 includes spaced tabs 780, 782
that are slidably received in spaced slots 784, 786 of a second
bushing 790, which is secured to the second sidewall 500 via a
fastener 792. It should be appreciated that movement of the forward
fin 430 in the longitudinal direction of the duct 404 (to move the
shut-off valve 436) moves the tabs of the first and second spacers
746, 776 within the slots of the first and second bushings 760,
790.
[0037] It should be appreciated that felt or foam 796 may be
applied to edges of the first and second valves 650, 652 where the
first and second valves meet in the closed position of the shut-off
valve 436 to reduce noise and help ensure airflow though the duct
404 is sealed off. Further, foam 798 may be applied to the second
end portion 422 of the duct 404 at the air inlet 420.
[0038] As is evident from the forgoing, the operation of the
exemplary air vent 400 is simplified for the user. Every function
of the air vent 400 may be operated by the forward fin 430. The
forward fin 430 may be rotated about the transverse direction of
the duct 404 (FIGS. 28(a) and 28(b)) and translated in the
longitudinal direction of the duct 404 to move the shut-off valve
436 (FIGS. 30(a) and 30(b)), and the knob 488 of the forward fin
430 may be translated in transverse direction to rotate the
plurality of rear fins 432 (FIGS. 29(a) and 29(b)). With the
central location of the shut-off valve 436, the user can visibly
see the open/close position of the shut-off valve 436, so no
printed or embossed indicators are needed, except what might be
placed on the knob.
[0039] It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed features and
functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably
combined into many other different systems or applications. Also
that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,
modifications, variations or improvements therein may be
subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also
intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
* * * * *